The city that is synonymous to sand, skyscrapers and the super rich, Dubai has been the home of world’s fastest super cars, gold, extravagant hotels and awesome Guinness World Record Title holders.

The United Arab Emirates construction history has gone a long way, rising from a desert to become the fastest growing mega city in a matter of decades. Unbelievably, beyond the country’s scorching heat caters the hottest real estate in the Arabian Gulf.

UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Each ruled and part by each own Islamic monarchy. Historically, the UAE has been a prime location for international trade. Situated at the mouth of Persian Gulf, ships sailing around Asia and Africa made frequent stops there. In the late 1950s, large oil deposits were found, beginning the country’s lucrative oil industry, making the Emirates one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

However, the UAE has also been trying to diversify its economy. For more than thirty years, Dubai has managed to become one of the global hubs for travel and tourism. Now a famous city, Dubai has developed into one of the prime travel destinations for globe trotters, leisure travelers and business visitors that offer guests a unique and enjoyable travel experience.

There are many reasons why you need to visit Dubai. This incredible city has made headlines worldwide as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Undeniably, Dubai is designed with tourism in mind.

Taking a trip to Dubai? Check out the list of ideas below to guide you and carry out your ultimate Dubai bucket list.

Discover the Arabic Culture

Explore the city’s fascinating history on Dubai Creek aboard a wooden boat locals call abra, a water taxi used by locals for centuries. The area exhibits how the present day modern metropolis was once a small fishing village, a strong emphasis on the region’s proud heritage. Madinat Jumeirah also offers a traditional Middle Eastern experience.

Delve into the city’s heritage and progress through a walking tour at Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, learn more about the country’s history at Dubai Museum, or take part in one of the many events organized by Dubai Culture to get an authentic experience of the region’s culture and traditions.

Expats in Dubai have outnumbered the Emirati nationals since most of the population includes Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Asian and Western. Dubai is a melting pot of culture. And while the city is open and more accepting of western ways, remember that Emiratis are historically Muslim and quite traditional.

Find Creative Inspiration

Dubai has created something out of nothing, thanks to its leader’s vision and goals set that many thought would be impossible to achieve. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is the heart and brain behind these massive projects, which are meant to boost dubai tourism and expand Dubai’s coastline.

Dubai is not staggering merely in size and grandiosity alone – it’s also a place of surprising architectural wonders such as the Palm Islands, one of the largest artificial man-made islands in the world.

Anyone visiting Dubai for the first time will surely be impressed by the city’s skyline. Standing proud at just under 830 meters tall, the Burj Khalifa is not just the tallest building in Dubai, but the tallest on the planet. A modern day icon, you can get on top of its observation deck through world’s fastest elevator ride. Situated beside Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Fountain, the biggest fountain display in the world.

Burj al Arab is another bastion of Dubai’s iconic buildings. The sail-like structure is famous for being the only 7-star hotel and one of the most luxurious hotel in the world. Aside from iconic and mind-blowing building structure, Dubai is also becoming the most exciting adventure playground and now home to the world’s largest indoor theme park.

Face Your Fear through Extreme Adventure

Want a taste of ultimate fear factor challenge? Dubai offers not only the most outrageous water slides and rides in the world but also the most daring adventure you can ever imagine in your life.

Can you see yourself jumping out of a plane at 13,000 feet? For adrenalin junkies out there, Skydiving is a one of a kind extreme adventure. With the earth below rushing up to meet you, there is no feeling comparable to that of jumping out of a plane, wind gushing through your hair and get a spectacular bird’s eye views of the magnificent Palm Jumeirah.

Will you willingly try one of the world’s scariest water rides? With trap-door chambers, Jumeirah Sceirah water slide in Wild Wadi Waterpark is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Go Shopping

Shopping is synonymous to Dubai culture. If you have some extra moolah to spend, then visit the massive and lavish shopping malls in Dubai for the supreme experience in luxury shopping. Malls are where Emiratis shop, play and escape the desert sun. Check out the under the sea wonders set into a giant tank in the world’s biggest mall.

If you are looking for a good bargain on textiles, spices, perfume and gold then explore the city’s traditional souks in Deira to get a taste of trade – time to use your haggling skills.

Bask in the Golden sand dunes of the desert aka Desert Safari

Probably the best way to create memories of Dubai is to capture its golden sunset while being at the desert. Have yourself photograph with the friendly humped beast with the panoramic desert sand as your backdrop. Tours offering evening safari shows include Middle Eastern dish, shisha and a belly dance show. You can also try sand boarding, quad-biking, hike to the top of dunes and brave to drink up some fresh camel’s milk!

Try camping. Bedouin camps offer travelers a preview into the life of ancient Bedouin families trying to survive in the harsh desert.

For Gastronomic Adventure

Considering the progress and growing population of expats living in Dubai, the city has seen a growth in its food scene as diverse as mixed of foreign residents. With new coffee shops and concept restaurants opening up around every corner, the city has something to offer for everyone’s palate.

For a lavish Arabian feast fit for a sheikh and a unique dining experience, head on to you At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant located in world’s tallest building. Don’t fret if you’re on tight budget, there’s always a place to find an authentic, affordable meal. Street food fans and foodie explorers will be pleased to find that some of the best delicious meals in the city can be found on a shoestring. Do not leave Dubai without trying shawarma. The best Arab export after oil, the shawarma is a Levantine wrap filled with chicken or lamb carved from a rotating spit. Top this with your choice of hummus, tahini, garlic sauce and tomato.

Experience Comfort and Luxury Travel

Dubai offers a lot to keep discerning travelers satisfied. If you want lavish experiences, Dubai is the city that can make it happen.

With relatively cheaper fuel, car and maintenance price, people who live in or visit Dubai can indulge in exotic models of cars that would otherwise just be a dream in their home countries.

The government has greatly invested on world-class public transport system, but if you still prefer to indulge in ultimate comfort ride and tour in style, you can rent for a limousine ride and feel like a boss. If you’re in a rush and can’t travel by road, why not choose to go and land in your hotel’s helipad! You may also opt to relax with the expat community’s favorite weekend activities – cruising the Gulf by boat. Take it to the next level by booking a luxury yacht for a personalized tour around the city shoreline.

Pamper Yourself for an Ultimate Staycation

Staying for a night in one of Dubai’s top luxury accommodation can be expensive many incoming tourists. Take for example a night in the billion dollar seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel can cost you on average of $24,000 a night.

But if money is not a concern, treat yourself with best hotel for relaxation. Experience the high-life, opulence and dress to impress. Indulge in regal suites, panoramic sea views, five-star breakfasts, plush bathrobes, sensory spa… whatever makes you feel like you’re in paradise. Get that once in a lifetime grand hotel staycation in Dubai you will surely remember.

For Sports, Arts and Music

Style, fashion, speed and true Dubai style extravagance is what you can expect at the many sports event hosted in the city. The racing season in Dubai takes place during the cooler months from November to March. Horse racing is much loved sport. Get dressed and check out Dubai World Cup, touted as the richest horse race in the world.

Dubai’s art scene comes to life in spring to bring creativity to the forefront in the city. Many of the world’s leading artists, designers, and art experts head to Dubai to explore the latest in artistry and design innovation.

Opened in 2016, Dubai Opera is the city’s first purpose built multi-format performing arts theater. The modern venue serves as the city’s creative hub that has produced and hosted the best and engaging performing arts experiences from Dubai and the world.

Experience Dubai as a Safe and Happy Place

Everyone can roam around the city with the most expensive gadgets anytime of the day or night and feel secured. No one will touch you or try to harm you in any way as there will be severe punishments accordingly.

Dubai takes pride of its good enforcement of law and order all throughout the city. Visitors will feel safe and secure while exploring the area at any given the time of day. It’s a safe travel destination. And take a good look at the city’s police cars, imagine Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bentleys. Epic!

Armed with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city seeks to adopt a unique, global science-based and methodical approach to sustain happiness for the whole city. It’s a simple, inspiring and impactful goal – to make Dubai the happiest place on earth.

Best time to Visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March when the weather is friendlier. While you’re likely to enjoy comfortable temperatures throughout the winter months, this is also peak tourist season, so expect plenty of company especially during January and early February due to the Dubai Shopping Festival. You can escape the crowds if you visit during the summer months, but heat can be unbearable for first time travelers to Dubai particularly July and August, when the entire city practically goes into hibernation.

Traveling during the holy month of Ramadan? Observed by Muslims by fasting and prayer to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Mohammed (PBUH), Dubai residents would agree that the chaotic pace of the city slows down during the month-long period. During the fasting hours in the day (sunrise to sunset) eating, drinking and smoking is strictly prohibited in public places. Many businesses, stores, restaurants, and attractions will be closed or open during abbreviated hours to observe the Holy month with family and to pray, so you may have to do a little extra planning in advance. Also, dress modestly as it is the holy month.

Conservative but showcasing state-of-the-art features, spotless and immaculate, where everything seems to work just fine and you never feel insecure, that is how this Middle Eastern metropolis have been conceived. After spending a few days in Dubai, you’ll get accustomed to hear that the city has the biggest, fastest, most expensive, tallest, and most beautiful in the world. Find out what Dubai’s many claims to world records are.

Having an outrageous ambition and ingenious inventions made Dubai rise from the dunes and become a jewel in the desert.